USM announces $1M nursing degree grant for veterans

LONG BEACH, Mississippi -- The University of Southern Mississippi has received a $1 million grant to help veterans who are pursuing bachelor's degrees in nursing at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach.

"This program is exciting for The University of Southern Mississippi because it allows us to serve those who serve others--veterans who have sacrificed more than many of us will ever know," President Rodney Bennett said.

"Our College of Nursing will deliver the highest quality education to men and women with great experience and allow them to pursue a four-year degree efficiently and effectively at our Gulf Park Campus," he said.

Bennett said the accelerated program is for veterans with training as medics in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force or as U.S. Navy corpsmen to earn their bachelor of science degree in nursing.

The program is supported in part by funds from the Division of Nursing, Bureaus of Health Professions, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The program may be completed in as little as four semesters. It incorporates training veterans previously received in the medical field with the coursework.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our veterans who have served so honorably in defense of our nation, particularly those who have served in some of the most difficult positions in the military as medical service providers," said Gen. Jeff Hammond, director of veteran and military student services at Southern Miss.